My first optical comparator (almost iso9001 now!)

[Garwood]

In the spirit of Black Friday I offered to pay a significantly discounted price for this nearby Deltronic DH216 optical comparator. It has only a 50X lens and the surface lighting doesn't work, but otherwise seems functional.

I see quite a few of these Deltronic machines for sale. As far as optical comparators go, they seem like they were either popular or people don't care for them much. I watched some Youtube clips on how this thing works and it does some neat stuff. 3 point radius calc, digitals on the screen for angular measurement, etc.

I've been casually looking for awhile and the cheap/free ones are always 200 miles away or gargantuan without digitals so this seemed like a reasonable investment for $200 and a 10 mile drive.

 

[Freedommachine]

Those are nice machines. I've used the starrett version of the same machine quite regularly. The optical probe makes it far more handy than a regular old school comparator.

You might be able to update to newer style software with touchscreen, the basic hardware is all the same. With the right software; They are very handy for making 2D .dxf files of parts you want to duplicate.

The surface lighting is not a big loss, I have never gotten that feature to work in any meaningful way on any comparator.

 

[Doug]

And here I figured it was you in a darkened room with a flash light and a blank wall.....

You don't like the old J&L "voting booth" ones with the sliding curtain ?

 

[Garwood]

Ever feel like there's a much easier way to do something, but you're just not seeing it? I'm having one of those moments.

 

[Garwood]

Mirrors are very dirty. Anyone ever clean these? Are like lasers with first surface mirrors you have to be careful with?

 

[Kenre]

I picked up an old Mitutoyo comparator for free that the mirrors were covered in dust. They are first surface mirrors. I washed what I could off with sprayed isopropyl alcohol, then lightly wiped the remaining crud with spectacle cleaning cloths. They came up great.

 

[Freedommachine]

What are first surface mirrors? I've only used comparators, never had one apart.

 

[Garwood]

What are first surface mirrors? I've only used comparators, never had one apart.

First surface mirrors are when the reflective coating (silver?) is on the front of the mirror, not the back. First surface mirrors don't distort images like second surface do.

 

[lobust]

I picked up an old Mitutoyo comparator for free that the mirrors were covered in dust. They are first surface mirrors. I washed what I could off with sprayed isopropyl alcohol, then lightly wiped the remaining crud with spectacle cleaning cloths. They came up great.

99% Isopropanol and cleanroom wipers are my goto for anything optical. I use the same for cleaning gauge blocks and when I'm calibrating measuring tools.

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[Dualkit]

Comparing it to the vehicle it looks like a floor model, not a desk top. I was offered a floor model for free before I moved to Virginia, it even had the axis motors, nice and clear. I knew it was heavy and when it bent the axle on my heavy duty dolly I gave up. On yours I would have used an engine hoist.

 

[Garwood]

Comparing it to the vehicle it looks like a floor model, not a desk top. I was offered a floor model for free before I moved to Virginia, it even had the axis motors, nice and clear. I knew it was heavy and when it bent the axle on my heavy duty dolly I gave up. On yours I would have used an engine hoist.

Picture must be deceiving. It's just a 16" bench top unit. About 300 lbs.

 

[Mud]

I was given an antique J&L that needs recommissioned. It's forklift size. Interested in hearing how you clean it up.

 

[Garwood]

My plan is to blow them off then hose them with 99% isopropyl then set optical wipes on the mirrors, soak them with isopropyl, then slide them off.

Not much to lose. I'm just going to be careful and give it a best effort.

 

[Spruewell]

Did it come with a book? There may be a cleaning procedure lined out in the manual if one is available

 

[Garwood]

Did it come with a book? There may be a cleaning procedure lined out in the manual if one is available

I've been searching for a book and haven't found one. I'd like to know how to use the mpc5 controller.

I spose I should call Deltronic.

 

[Vancbiker]

My plan is to blow them off then hose them with 99% isopropyl then set optical wipes on the mirrors, soak them with isopropyl, then slide them off.

Not much to lose. I'm just going to be careful and give it a best effort.

Pretty much SOP for laser mirrors so likely fine for these.

 

[mach ramsey mn]

I've been searching for a book and haven't found one. I'd like to know how to use the mpc5 controller.

I spose I should call Deltronic.

The DRO is pretty user friendly but you will need some reference with the advanced functions. I bought several of these comparitors at one company I worked at just cause they will survive in a shop environment our dealer gave excellent support and Deltronic has a good supply of accessories for these,

 

[Mr. M]

This is one of the tools I am hoping to add at my shop soon. I need to find one for a deal like this!

 

[mach ramsey mn]

This is one of the tools I am hoping to add at my shop soon. I need to find one for a deal like this!

Here ya go:

 

[mach ramsey mn]

Sorry, missed the link…https://www.machinesused.com/lots/Deltronic-DH-216-16"-Comparator-with-Lenses-&-Cabinet-Base-38341